BALI -- area code +62-361

The Balinese are Hindu/animist, unlike the rest of predominantly Muslim Indonesia. They are self-assured, genuinely friendly, curious, and always make time to chat. Some of your most memorable experiences will come from warm interaction with locals. Everyone here seems to be an artist of some kind and daily offerings and rituals are a way of life. While men and women no longer wander about in innocent nakedness, you will certainly encounter unselfconsciousness at the morning and evening bathing hours at rivers, pools, and public baths (Balinese become invisible when they slip out of their sarong).

While Bali is one of the most tolerant and gay-friendly destinations on the planet, you will not find much in the way of open gay lifestyle except in the touristic southwest coastal area. Open gays you encounter will usually come from Java or other islands. Locals have quiet and discreet cruising areas of their own away from both the tourist areas and their villages. Many Balinese mythical figures celebrated in music and dance have androgynous characteristics. However, for the Balinese, marriage and the union of opposite genders is a requirement for their full participation in village life. That said, homosexuality is certainly not a serious matter or one requiring a moral judgement. Murals in The Hall of Justice in the Taman Gili luridly depict the punishments of hell, represent a wide range of sins -- from incest and bestiality to gossiping and farting -- but no proscriptions against homosexuality are recorded.

Not surprisingly, Bali has been a famous haven for homosexuals, and a number of its renowned foreign residents lead comfortable, open lives here. Respected artists like Rudolf Bonnet, Donald Friend and, most famously, Walter Spies, all contributed to the thriving cultural synthesis that is Bali today. The spectacular kecak monkey chant, perceived by millions of tourists as a glimpse back in time to the "real" Bali, was actually re-choreographed by Spies, who combined several languishing performance traditions, increased the number of male performers, stripped them to loincloths, and set them in a circle around a central fire light.

On the topic of sex, it needs to be said that the Balinese are not especially given to going out and having a few drinks at a bar and getting picked up. These are people who believe you can go into full-fledged demonic possession at the sound of a gong, and being drunk is not a happy feeling for them. On the other hand, they are not shy about physical contact between people of the same gender. Friendly encounters may lead to a chance to get better acquainted, but you are likely to be disappointed if you arrive with the expectation of finding a holiday boyfriend. Knowing a little Indonesian, and the gentle art of teasing and flirting, will go a long way towards making friends.

In mid-2012, two Indonesian ISPs, IndoSat and Telkom, began blocking websites with gay content. If you want to access your favorite websites on holiday, use SIM cards from one of the other ISPs that don't censor (such as Axis) and choose hotels that provide non-censored Net connections. Or, more easily, go to your device Settings menu and navigate to your Wi-Fi settings to find the DNS settings for the provider you are using in Indonesia. Then, insert [8.8.8.8,] (without the brackets) in front of the other DNS numbers in this field. That work's for iOS, and something similar works for OSX and Windows. You can then use your device as a Wi-fi hot spot for your laptop as well.

The population of Bali is about 2.5 million (that's 100,000 Utopians).

77a Uluwatu Dua, +62 878 6176-0402, email. Gay and lesbian wedding organizers for your union ceremony on the beaches of Bali. professional Wedding Planner in Bali. Specializing in private villa and beach weddings with the best LGBT-friendly local partners. Their European (Dutch) mentality is "what we say is what we do!" They understand the emotions, and the nerves, and their experience, professionalism and many years in Europe and Bali will make your special day all about you. They will work closely with you to create a unique event, reflecting your taste and style with stress-free planning to give you and your guests happy memories. Utopia Member Discount

Jln Padma Utara, +62 812-3958-4410, email. Gay-owned lifestyle branding and design business located in Legian. Its main focus is to service the hospitality sector and its diverse branding and design needs. The company is a fusion of new, more effective and cost efficient branding ideas shared between Yanti Celebes, long time resident in Bali, and Henrik Lisby of Klint & Co, a Danish-owned and Jakarta-based design agency with an extensive expertise in hospitality and destination branding. Their goal is to introduce a new way of branding and design methodology to the community, from larger scale hotels and resorts to small boutique enterprises and shops. Utopia Member Discount

Jungutbatu, Nusa Lembongan island, Utopia Map, +62 877-6104-2438, email. Gay-owned Blue Corner Dive Resort is a friendly beachfront place on the north end of Jungutbatu village. Dive shop, chill-out beach bar and traditional bungalows. They host the island's Fri night beach party - the best place to party with surfers, divers, backpackers, beachboys, and anybody else who likes to enjoy the tropical paradise life! Utopia Member Discount

P.O. Box 3581, Denpasar, 286-283, FAX 286-284, email. Without a doubt one of Bali's very best and gay-friendliest family of travel experts. Accommodation, tours, activities and transportation services. Great rates and ready suggestions for gay-friendly holidays in Bali. Specialists in arts and culture, the offbeat, the spiritual and the less-touristed. Utopia Member Discount

+62 859-3500-9823, FAX 859-3500-9823, email. Experience the true culture and traditions of Bali with a gay and lesbian-friendly tour company. Private tours to show you what makes Bali a unique destination.

+62 813-5366-6692, email. Experience the culture of Bali with a gay and lesbian-friendly local. Choose from their many different tours of Bali and customize to your interests. Gede Transport is here to serve all of your tour and transportation needs in all parts of Bali. Utopia Member Discount

Jln Umaalas 2 - Kerobokan, Kuta, 811-388-681, FAX 473-6569, email. Unseen Bali is the direct representative for four exclusively gay and clothing-optional luxury accommodations with personal attention. They also offer one week guided tours of Bali (with accommodation in gay clothing-optional resorts), numerous day trips to off-the-beaten-track locations in North and East Bali, as well as Balinese man-to-man spa massage, scuba-diving, and sea kayaking. Day passes for local residents and visitors staying at other hotels are available at their gay-only clothing-optional resort in Kuta with steam room, whirlpool, swimming pool, and TV room, as well as in their North Bali nudist beach resort where there is a unique clothing-optional beach front restaurant, Mock's Kitchen. New in 2014: six new eco-friendly wooden bungalows added to their Northern Bali resort. Utopia Member Discount

Jalan Raya Campuhan, Utopia Map, email. Located just across the Champuan Bridge on the way up the hill out of Ubud. Symon carries on the tradition of Balinese painters of male nudes with his bold, colorful paintings and surreal sculptures and has gained an international following of avid collectors. Also, see more of Symon's work in our Utopia Gallery.

Canggu, Utopia Map. At the end of Jln Batu Belig, turn left to go down the sandy beachside road to Warung Cantina (just to the right of W Hotel as you face the ocean). You will see small rainbow flags hanging from a tree trunk (see Warung Cantina listing under Restaurants). This is a gay hang-out and cruise spot, especially towards sunset. Also some trees, shubbery and hidden nooks next to the building developments here.

Putra Beach Stall UTOPIA VISITED SEP 2013

Jln Double 6, Legian (just south of Hotel Kumala and exactly opposite Restaurant Seaside), Utopia Map. Look for the large rainbow flags flying. Putra is the out and proud queen of Legian Beach. Expect to be welcomed, cruised, teased and flirted with all in one breath. Chairs, tables and umbrellas for the LGBT community and friends. Cold drinks. Tourists, expats and Javanese cuties in their skimpiest beachwear.

Seminyak Beach UTOPIA VISITED SEP 2013

At the end of Gay Street, Jln Champlung Tanduk (still referred to by locals as Jln Dhyana Pura), not far from all the gay bars. Utopia Map. Late in the evening you will find many local Balinese, Javanese and Indonesian guys walking along the footpath on the opposite side of the street to the gay bars. There are usually a lot of guys to chat up, with something to suit just about everybody's taste. Further down the street toward the beach is where the ladyboys usually hang out and the more you drink the better they may look.

SOUTH BALI: DENPASAR

Lumingtan UTOPIA VISITED AUG 2012

Off Jln Gatot Subroto, Denpasar, Utopia Map. A true, non-commercial gay cruising scene takes place here after dark until about 11pm (after 11pm police occasionally hassle hangers-on for bribes). This spooky, abandoned lot used to house government offices (long gone) and the surviving spectacular Balinese gates on three sides, and spooky statuary inside, give this place an unexpectedly gothic ambience. Local men park their motorcycles and wait for others to join them in conversation. Sometimes clusters develop, and the dark perimeters, especially near the shrines in one corner, get active. The crowd is a mix of all ages and it is friendly for the adventurous foreigner who wants to experience a totally non-touristic gay hot spot. Destined to be re-developed (bulldozers were already leveling land as of Aug, 2012), catch it while you can. There are more empty lots and a park nearby that are also sometimes active, so you might want to walk across the street to the north and northeast to check it out. Don't take valuables.

Puputan Park UTOPIA VISITED AUG 2012

Denpasar, Utopia Map. Not as popular now that more families use the park during the evenings, so best from 11pm-4am. Locals do seem to hit the foreigners except the hustlers who approach in droves. May be cruisy for Asians who can pass for locals. Some transgenders.

Tohpati riverside recreation area UTOPIA VISITED AUG 2012

East side of Denpasar, Utopia Map. Take the road downhill to the parking lot next to the river. This non-commercial cruising spot for local gay men is busiest in the heat of afternoon when most straight people are indoors. May also be active at night.

SOUTH BALI: OTHER AREAS

Kuta Beach UTOPIAN VERIFIED AUG 2012

Between the beach side McDonalds and Anggrek Hotel. The best time is 8pm-midnight. You need to walk along the beach side of the footpath. Also facility at far end parking lot. A mix of local hotel workers, foreign tourists and expats here, so the scene is more consensual fun and less commercial.

99 Jln Champlung Tanduk (still referred to by locals as Jln Dhyana Pura), Seminyak, reservations: 736-966, email. Gay-friendly Gado Gado has earned its reputation as one of Bali's top restaurants through its fine food, romantic seaside views and attentive service. They offer a diverse menu that incorporates seasonal fresh produce. Selection of international wines, champagne, and cigars from their humidor are also on hand. A multi-functional space, it can also be arranged to accommodate large groups up to 800, events, birthdays, etc. Private, aircon dining room with bar is also available for up to 14 people. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

La Lucciola UTOPIA VISITED SEP 2013

Jln Kayu Aya Beach, Oberoi, Utopia Map, reservations: 261-047, 730-838. Open air restaurant, bar, and beachside oasis. Located just past The Legian Hotel, access is from the beach or via the parking lot in front of the large Pettitenget Temple. Owned and operated by a gay couple from Sydney. This is the place to chill-out, with fabulous international cuisine and great breakfasts (perfect eggs Benedict!). Sun bathe in their lounge chairs and enjoy the passing parade on the beach, or sit in the shade of their two-story, thatched restaurant and enjoy a meal. Friendly, gorgeous sarong-clad staff and reasonable prices.

Jln Petitenget 2000X, Seminyak, Utopia Map, 473-1918, email. Gay-owned and operated garden restaurant, with a loyal following among both local and visiting gays. Plush and cozy open air ambience. Have a romantic dinner in a candlelit grove of fragrant frangipani trees, or try their Indonesian buffet lunch and heap your plate with tasty local treats. Extensive drink and food menu with local and international specialties. Opens early for a hearty breakfast, and till late for a nightcap or latté. If you are lucky you may get to meet the fabulous Bonita, one of Bali's famously fabulous personalities and gay community entrepreneurs (he's also the owner of DIX nightclub). Popular cabaret show on Fri nights at about 8:30pm (make a reservation). Utopia Member Discount

SOUTH BALI: BATU BELIG, LEGIAN, SEMINYAK

Young Generation Sauna and Warung UTOPIA VISITED FEB 2015

Jln Tangkuban Perahu - Kerobokan Dekat LP, Utopia Map, +62 813-5300-4333, +62 899-555-8171, email. Adjacent to and entered from Young Generation Massage. Bali's first gay-friendly men's sauna. 1/F has a beautiful and well-designed steam room with cool splash and a jacuzzi; 2/F has five relaxing rooms. A sauna/steam bath born according to the ancient Roman and Turkish criteria, offering the possibility of a total relaxation while you socialize with the young locals who patronize this facility. Just as the old tradition requires, after the Turkish bath and jacuzzi, unwind in their relaxation rooms. In their warung you can taste Indonesian and international food while sipping fresh fruit juice or various types of tea and other soft drinks. Gets busy starting at sunset. Utopia Member Discount

Comments from Utopians:

"We were full of hopes for a fun evening on a Sat night after sunset. Mind you it was raining so we asked how many guys were in the sauna and were told around 10 people. Much to our disappointment, we found there were only three others there. As for the sauna itself, we were unable to appreciate the experience described since it was so dark inside." -- ecyc02, Feb 4, 2015

CENTRAL BALI: UBUD

Joy (hair and beauty salon)

14/3 Jln Raya Seminyak (opposite the Kura-Kura restaurant). Johann, fomerly of Depe salon, has set up shop in a little court set back from the street next to a gallery. Downstairs they have all the usual salon-hair stuff. Upstairs there are two massage areas.

Jln Mertanadi, Kerobokan. Look for the rainbow flag hanging out front of the small shop. Gay-owned men's clothing store. They have trendy clothing for going out to the clubs as well as sexy underwear and swimsuits, plus other fun accessories at decent prices.